Toy planetarium



June 11, 1968 c. o. MUSSER 3,337,393

TOY PLANETARIUM Filed Jan. 21, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 HHI INVENTOR,

CLAIR OMAR MUSSER.

BY EDWARD o. O'BRIAN, ATTORNEY.

June 11, 1968 c. o. MUSSER TOY PLANETARIUM 5 Sheets-Sheet 73 Filed Jan. 21, 1966 INVENTOR, CLAIR OMAR MUSSER.

BY EDWARD o. OBRIAN, ATTORNEY.

June 11, 1968 c. o. MUSSER 3,387,393

TOY PLANETARIUM Filed Jan. 21,. 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVEN'IOR, CLAIR OMAR MUSSER.

BY EDWARD o. O'BRJAN, ATTORNEY.

June 11, 1968 c. o. MUSSER 3,387,393

TOY PLANETARIUM Filed Jan. 21, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR, CLAIR OMAR MUSSER. BY

EDWARD o. O'BRIAN,

ATTORNEY.

June 11, 1968 c. o. MUSSER TOY PLANETARIUM 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan, 21, 1966 INVENTOR, CLAIR OMAR MUSSER.

EDWARD D. OBRIAN, AT TORNEY.

United States Patent Ofice 3,387,393 Patented June 11, 1968 3,387,393 TOY PLANETARIUM Clair if}. Mussel, 129W iilairwootl Drive, Studio City, Caiif. 91604 Filed Jan. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 522,239 Claims. (CI. 35-45) ABSTRACT OF THE DISELOSURE A planetarium as disclosed which has a base with a flat, non-magnetic top. A plurality of concentric ring gears are rotatably mounted on the base underneath the top. A single motor is loaded on the base 18, connected to a drive shaft carrying a plurality of pinion gears simultaneously rotating all of these ring gears. A member simulating a planet is located generally above each ring gear on the top of the base. Magnetic coupling means couple the members simulating planets and the corresponding ring gears so that these members are rotated as the ring gears are rotated through the operation of the motor means.

This invention is directed to a toy planetarium, and particularly a toy planetarium arrangeable for relative celestial movement in both the Copernican and Ptolemaic modes.

Planetariums are well known as means for demonstrating the relative positions of the various planets, with respect to each other and with respect to the Sun, and some of them are even equipped to demonstrate the position of the Earths satellite. Many of these planetariums are not powered so that the relative movements are not adequately shown. Some have such complicated driving mechanism that a considerable amount of it is apparent from the viewing side of the structure. Furthermore, others use projection means to project indications of the heavenmade bodies upon a translucent screen, and thus overcome the apparent difficulties of hiding the mechanical structure. Most planetariums define circular orbits for the planetation of the heavenly bodies, and such is not truly accurate.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a planetarium of moderate size which demonstrates the relative motions of the heavenly bodies, and particularly the planets and the Earths satellite. It is a further object of this invention to provide a toy planetarium with driving structure for each of the planets shown thereon, which driving structure is hidden from view and to accomplish the hiding of the driving structure while the planets are visible by magnetic coupling between the driving structure and the planets. It is a further object of this invention to provide a flat top toy planetarium which demonstrates the movement of a plurality of planets, each of the planets having a magnet as its base, which magnet is magnetically coupable to the driving structure beneath the flat top of the planetarium. Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following portion of this specification, the claims and the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the toy planetarium of this invention;

FIG. 2 is the top plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof, showing the driving mechanism;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial side elevational view taken generally along the line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section taken generally along the line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the planetarium showing a mode of driving the Mars element thereof;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged section taken generally along the line 8-8 of FlG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the planetarium of this invention with the dome removed and showing the planetarium in the Keplerian mode of operation.

As an aid to the understanding of this invention, it can be stated in essentially summary form that it is directed to a toy planetarium. The planetarium comprises a top surface of non-magnetic, slick material. Polymer composition material is preferred. Each of the planets is mounted upon a base which comprises a magnet having a north and a south pole. Beneath the mounting surface, drive means for each of the planets is movably mounted. This drive means includes a driving magnet having a north and a south pole, which drive magnet is positioned immediately beneath the surface. Thus, the planet can be magnetically coupled to the driving magnet. Motion of the driving magnet thus moves each planet around upon the top in accordance with the motion of the drive means. For those planets having substantially circular orbits around the Sun, circular paths are provided by rotatably mounting a ring gear beneath the surface. This ring gear carries the drive magnet. Since the orbits of Earth and Mars are somewhat elliptical, the corresponding ring gears for each of these planets carries a cam follower arm. Each of these cam follower arms carries the driving magnet and it carries a cam follower. Cams in the structure control the drive magnet to move upon a suitably elliptical path. However, in addition to this factor, the cam followers rotate as they follow the elliptical cam. The cam followers in turn carry the drive magnet so that the drive magnet rotates. This provides realistic rotational motion to the Earth so that its satellite moves in realistic manner. In the case of Mars, the rotation provides realistic appearance of the relatively slow rotation of that planet upon its axis. Drive mechanism is provided for each of the ring gears and the ring gears are of such diameter that in conjunction with the drive means, each planet moves around the Sun at a realistic scale speed.

This invention will be understood in greater detail by reference to the following portion of this specification wherein the drawings are described. It is noted that while this is considered a toy planetarium, the word toy is used to define the fact that not everything on the planetarium is in exact scale. However, the planetarium is a realistic teaching device which aids in demonstrating the various relative features of the solar system.

Referring now to the figures in the drawing, the toy planetarium of this invention is generally indicated at 10. The planetarium 10 has a base 12 and a dome 14. As is seen in FIG. 1, dome 14 is substantially hemispherical. It is hollow and is formed of transparent material. Preferably, it is injection molded or blow of polymer composition material. Furthermore, dome 14 can carry, printed on the interior thereof, a number of the northern hemispheric star constellations so that their relative positions may also be studied with respect to the position of the planets. Furthermore, dome 14 serves as a dust cover for the remainder of the structure. Dome 14- is removable so that direct access may be had to the planetary structures on base 12.

Base 12 has substantially cylindrical sides 16 which serve as a housing for the mechanical structure and as 'a support for planet supporting top surface 18. The exterior cylindrical surface of side 16 can be decorated in an appropriate manner, such as with signs of the Zodiac or other appropriate decorative devices. Since the movement of the planets around the central Sun represent a full year, the top of planet supporting top 18 can be apa) propriately inscribed with the months of the year and/or the seasons, as is indicated in FIGS. 2, 7 and '9.

As is seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8, the planet supporting top 18 is relatively thin, and is preferably made of polymer composition material. A non-magnetic material is required, and the slippery types of polymer composition material are preferred. The slipperiness of the planet supporting surface is important to proper planet motion, as is described below. The material layer which provides the planet support surface 18 is considered the top of the planetarium.

Beneath the planet supporting surface 18 are rotatably secured a plurality of ring gears. These ring gears are best seen in the bottom view of FIG. 3, and are identified serially from the interior to the exterior by the numerals 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 38. Each of the ring gears has downwardly projecting teeth and has a base flange on which the teeth are mounted. Each of the ring gears 22 through 30 is rotatably supported beneath the top of the planetarium by means of its flanges. For example, ring gear carries outwardly extending flange 32 which is engaged by rollers 34. Each of the rollers 34 is rotatably mounted on the underside of top 18 of the planetarium. Enough rollers are provided so as to accurately position ring gear 30 and its flange 32 with respect to the top. The ring gears 22 through 28 are respectively supported on rollers 36, 38, and 42. The smallest ring gear, ring gear 20, is rotatably supported by a bearing upon bearing bridge 44. As is seen in FIG. 6, the rollers are flanged so as to define the spaced relationship between the flanges and the top 18. Thus, each of the ring gears with its carrying flanges is rotatably mounted in a definite position spaced below the top 18.

Drive for these ring gears is provided by drive motor 46. Drive motor 46 has an appropriate built-in gear reduction and has an output or pinion shaft 48 driven thereby. A plurality of pinions are fixedly mounted upon pinion shaft 48. Pinions 50, 52, 54 and 56 are respectively in gear tooth engagement with ring gears 20 through 26. The number of teeth on the pinions and on the ring gears is such as to provide relatively accurate driving speed for each of the ring gear structures. One tooth pinion 58 drives ring gear 28, for this one requires a much slower speed. Similarly, ratchet 6!) drives ring gear 39. As is seen in FIG. 4, the pinion shaft 48 carries eccentric 62. Connecting rod 64 is engaged upon eccentric 62 and carries ratchet on its end. An appropriate spring 65 urges ratchet 60 into engagement with the teeth of ring gear 30. Thus, for every revolution of pinion shaft 48, ring gear 30 is advanced one tooth. Retaining pawl 66 is also engaged with the teeth of ring gear 30 so as to prevent retrograde movement of the gear.

Each of the ring gears carries a magnet. In the case of ring gears 20, 22, 28 and 30 the magnets are fixed to the ring gear flanges. In FIG. 4, magnet 68 is seen as mounted upon the top of the flange of ring gear 30. Similarly, as is seen in FIG. 6 magnet 70 is mounted on the top of the flange of ring gear 22. As is noted, similar structures exist with respect to ring gears, 22 and 28. In each of these cases the magnet is fixed to the top surface of the ring gear and directly engages the under-surface of the top 18 in sliding relationship. The

magnets are preferably of cylindrical nature and are arranged to be polarized so that a north pole appears at the end of a diameter, while the south pole appears at the other end of the same diameter. Similarly, each of the planets 72, 74, 76 and 78 is supported on an appropriate base. As is seen in FIG. 4, base 80 of planet 72 comprises a permanent magnet of cylindrical form. The bottom surface of the magnet rests directly upon the surface of top 18 and the magnet is similarly polarized so that a north pole appears at the one end of a diameter while the south pole appears at the other end. Magnets 68 and 88 can thus be coupled through top 18 so that planet 72 follows motion of ring gear 30. In each case the planets 72, 74, 76 and 78 follow a circular orbit by sliding on top 18 around the simulated sun 82 which is positioned at the center of top 18.

In the case of planets 84 and 86, their orbits are slightly elliptical and are emphasized in this planetarium to perrnit demonstration of this elliptical form. To accomplish the appropriate motion, elliptical earns 88 and 90, see FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7, are secured to the bottom of top 18. These cams are generally secured above and slightly to one side of the corresponding ring gear. As is seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, cam follower arm )2 is pivoted on the top of ring gear 24. Spring 94 urges the cam follower arm toward cam 90. Cam follower 96 is thus urged into contact with the cam 98. Cam follower 96 is rotatably mounted on cam follower arm 92 and thus rotates as it proceeds along the cam 90. Furthermore, cam follower 96 is of ferro-magnetic material and is magnetized as is previously described. Thus, the magnetic base 98 on planet 86 couples with rotatable cam follower magnet 96. Thus, as ring gear 24 is rotated around its generally circular track, the cam follower 96 follows the elliptical external contour of cam and the magnet 96 follows this contour and rotates during this traverse. Planet 86 is magnetically coupled so that it rotates and follows the elliptical path defined by cam 90 so as to follow an elliptical orbit. As is seen in FIG. 5, planet 86 is a simulated Earth planet. Its satellite is Moon 99 which is supported therefrom by means of support post 108. Since the planet 86 rotates, the motion of the Moon 99 as the planet 86 rotates simulates the Moon orbit with respect to the Earth.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the similar construction of the drive structure of planet 84 is seen. Planet 84 is driven by ring gear 26. Cam follower arm 102 is pivoted at 184 to the flange of ring gear 26. Spring 186 urges the arm toward the surface of elliptical cam 88. Cam follower roller 108 is pivotally mounted on the end of arm 182 and is thus urged into contact with the cam. Cam follower 108 is in the form of a cylindrical magnet, magnetized as a north pole on one end of a diameter, and as a south pole on the opposite end of the same diameter. Thus, as ring gear 26 moves around its centerly circular path, cam follower 108 rotates and follows the elliptical path defined by cam 88.

Planet 84 represents the planet Mars. Planet 84 is mounted similarly to the other planets, upon a base 110 which is also of magnetic character. It also has a north and a south pole at diametric extremes of the cylindrical base. As is seen in FIG. 4, the magnets which serve as bases for the planets can be magnetically coupled with the north and south pole on the base, each respectively coupled to a south and north pole on the driving magnet driven by the corresponding ring gear. In demonstrating Copernican movement, planet 84 is coupled in the previously described manner to traverse its elliptical orbit. However, these magnets are subject to an additional type of coupling. This type is employed with the planet Mars in demonstrating the Ptolemaic concept of the universe and is seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this case, the south pole on base 110 is coupled to the north pole on cam follower magnet 108. However, the north pole on the base is positioned away from the south pole on the cam follower. When it is positioned diametrically away, the north pole on the base is repelled by the north pole on the cam follower so that the center of the planet 84 is mounted to one side of the rotational axis of cam follower 108. By this means, planet 84 follows the cycloidal path 112 illustrated in FIG. 7.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the usual arrangement of planets is shown therein. The Sun 82 is fixed at the center while Mercury 78, Venus 76, Earth 86, Mars 84, Jupiter 74 and Saturn 72 rotate at appropriate speeds about the Sun 82. As is previously described, this rotation is caused by motor 46 driving pinion shaft 48. The different numbers of teeth in the pinions and ring gears, together with ratchet 60, provide the appropriate rates of traverse of the several orbits. Energization of the motor is provided by electric line 114, see FIG. 3, which is controlled by switch 116 from an external power source. Furthermore, switch 116 supplies electricity to Sun 82 through line 118. An electric bulb is provided within the translucent structure of Sun 82. Thus, realistic lighting effects occur which permit, in a darkened room, consideration of the phases of the Moon together with solar and lunar eclipses.

FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate the Copernican mode of operation of the planetarium 10. Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 9, the Ptolemaic mode of operation is illustrated. The ancients believed that the universe was Earth centered, or geocentric, with the Earths satellite and the Sun orbiting about the Earth. To illustrate this mode, an open bottom Earth model 120 is placed over the sun 82. A Moon model 122 is coupled to the magnet 96 driven by the ring gear 24, used for driving the Earth model in the Copernican mode. Furthermore, a Sun model 124 is coupled to the magnet on ring gear 28, otherwise used for driving Jupiter model 74. Thus, the Moon model and Sun model rotate about the Earth model to demonstrate the Ptolemaic understanding of the solar system.

In order to explain the apparently cycloidal orbits of the other planets as viewed from the geocentric earth, the ancients believed that the other planets moved in such orbits. This concept can be demonstrated with this planetarium in the manner described in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8.

This invention having been described in its preferred embodiment, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous modifications and embodiments within the skill of the routine artisan and without the exercise of the inventive faculty. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A planetarium for demonstrating the movement of planets which comprises:

a base, said base having a flat top of a non-magnetic material,

a plurality of concentric ring gears rotatably mounted on said base underneath said flat top, each of said ring gears being adjacent to said top,

motor means for rotating said ring gears mounted on said base,

a drive shaft connected to said motor means so as to be driven thereby,

said drive shaft extending across a portion of each of said ring gears,

a plurality of drive means for rotating said ring gears mounted on said drive shaft,

each of said drive means engaging one of said ring gears during rotation of said drive shaft so as to cause rotation of all of said ring gears during rotation of said drive shaft,

first magnetic coupling means carried by each of said ring gears so as to be positioned adjacent to the top of said base and so as to be rotated beneath the top of said base during operation of said motor means,

a plurality of members simulating planets located on the top of said base,

each of said members simulating a planet having second magnet coupling means located thereon,

the first magnet coupling means on each of said ring gears holding through magnetic force the second coupling means on one of said members simulating a planet,

so that during operation of said motor means all of said members simulating planets are caused to move in a manner simulating the motions of planets on said top of said base,

a cam located on said base adjacent to one of said ring gears,

a cam follower movably mounted on said one of said ring gears so as to engage and move along said cam,

the first magnetic coupling means carried by one of said ring gears being located on said cam follower so as to move during rotation of said one of said ring gears in accordance with the shape of said earn.

2. A planetarium as claimed in claim 1 including:

spring means for biasing said cam follower into engage ment with said cam.

3. A planetarium as claimed in claim 1 including:

a cam follower arm pivoted on said one of said ring gears,

and wherein said cam follower is rotatably mounted on said cam follower arm so as to rotate during engagement with said cam,

and wherein said cam follower is said first magnet coupling means carried by said one of said ring gears,

rotation of said cam follower causing through the operation of first and second magnetic coupling means, the rotation of said members simulating a planet above said one of said ring gears.

4. A planetarium as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

separate cams are located on said base adjacent to two of said ring gears,

a cam follower is movably mounted on each of said two ring gears so as to engage and move along the cams adjacent each of said ring gears,

the first magnet coupling means carried by each of said two ring gears is located on the cam follower associated with such ring gear so as to move during rotation of the same in accordance with the shape of said cam.

5. A planetarium as claimed in claim. 1 including:

a member extending around the axis of one of said ring gears adjacent to said one of said ring gears,

and wherein said first magnetic coupling means carried by said one of said ring gears is rotatably mounted and engages said member so as to rotate by contact with said member, causing rotation of said first magnetic coupling means to be transmitted to the second magnetic coupling means on a member simulating a planet so as to cause rotation of said member simulating a planet.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 122,954 1/ 1872 McKenzie 35-45 749,508 1/ 1904 Wesson 35-45 1,770,820 7/1930 Tomasevich 35-45 2,226,032 12/1940 Wahlberg 35-45 2,418,718 4/1947 Maginley 35-45 2,594,678 4/1952 Parke et a1. 273-862 2,786,680 3/1957 Northrop et al 273-862 2,949,682 8/1960 Humbert 35-45 3,286,374 Il /1966 Baynes 35-45 FOREIGN PATENTS 379,164 8/ 1964 Switzerland.

JEROME SCHNALL, Primary Examiner. 

